MLB hits Carlos Gomez and Reed Johnson with fines after fight

Major League Baseball imposed one-game suspensions upon Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Carlos Gomez and Atlanta Braves outfielder Reed Johnson for sparking a benches-clearing incident a day earlier.

Gomez set off the scuffle when he smacked his 23rd home run of the season, tagging Braves starter Paul Maholm in the first inning of an eventual 4-0 Milwaukee triumph.

Gomez stared down the pitcher and then chatted with other Atlanta infielders as he ran around the bases before being confronted at home plate by Braves catcher Brian McCann in an argument that led to both benches clearing.

Order was restored and Gomez was credited with a home run although he appeard in television replays to have never touched home plate.

Gomez, who said Maholm intentionally hit him with a pitch in a game on June 23 in Milwaukee, shoved Johnson in the melee of players. Johnson and Gomez were also each fined an undisclosed amount.

The Braves are bound for next month’s playoffs while the Brewers’ season will end this weekend.